Thomas Baker “Tom” Slick Sr., born on October 12, 1883, in Shippenville, Pennsylvania, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of America’s most renowned Oklahoma oilmen, earning the moniker “King of the Wildcatters.”
Tom B. Slick, Sr.
Slick’s early life in Pennsylvania’s oil regions provided him with firsthand exposure to the burgeoning petroleum industry. In 1904, he ventured to Oklahoma Territory, specifically Tryon, to pursue opportunities in oil exploration. Despite his determination, Slick’s initial endeavors were fraught with challenges, leading to a series of dry wells that earned him the unflattering nickname “Dry Hole Slick.”
Undeterred by early setbacks, Slick’s persistence bore fruit on March 12, 1912, when he struck oil on Frank Wheeler’s farm near Cushing, Oklahoma. This discovery, known as the Wheeler No. 1 well, marked the beginning of the Drumright-Cushing oil field, which would become one of the most productive in the United States. At its peak in 1917, the field produced approximately 330,000 barrels of oil per day.
Following this success, Slick’s reputation transformed from “Dry Hole Slick” to “King of the Wildcatters.” He expanded his operations across Oklahoma, making significant discoveries in fields such as Pioneer, Tonkawa, Papoose, and Seminole. By 1929, he was considered the largest independent oil operator in the United States, with a net worth estimated between $35 million and $100 million.
Beyond his oil ventures, Slick diversified his investments into railroads, town site development, and plantations. Despite his immense wealth and influence, he was known for his honesty, devotion to family and friends, and a preference for privacy.
Tragically, Tom Slick Sr.’s life was cut short when he passed away on August 16, 1930, at the age of 46. There is some conflicting information about where Tom B. Slick Sr. is buried. Some sources state that he was interred in the Slick family mausoleum at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Other accounts suggest that he was buried in the Burkburnett Cemetery in Burkburnett, Texas. According to Find a Grave, it appears most likely that he is interred in the Clarion Cemetery in Clarion, Pennsylvania, alongside his parents.
Slick’s legacy extended beyond his lifetime through his family. His son, Thomas Baker Slick Jr., became a notable inventor, businessman, and philanthropist, founding institutions such as the Southwest Research Institute and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio. Interestingly, Both Tom Sr. and Tom Jr. died at the age of 46. Tom Jr., died in a private airplane crash on October 6, 1962, near Dell, Montana
Tom Slick Sr.’s journey from a persistent wildcatter to a legendary oil magnate exemplifies the spirit of determination and innovation that characterized the early American oil industry. His contributions not only advanced the field of petroleum exploration but also left an indelible mark on the economic development of Oklahoma and the broader United States.
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture: Slick, Thomas Baker
- American Oil & Gas Historical Society: Oklahoma’s King of the Wildcatters
- Find a Grave: Thomas Baker “Tom” Slick Sr.
- Wikipedia: Thomas Baker Slick Sr.
- Texas State Historical Association: Slick, Thomas Baker, Jr.
